The Benson Lake Loop

The trail junction for Rodgers Lake, looking towards that lake.

The Trail Junction

The Benson Lake Loop, August 2002

Soon enough I reached the signed trail junction for Rodgers Lake. The junction was in a pretty green meadow rock garden at the foot of Volunteer Peak, and the area obviously has seen plenty of snow.

From "Rodgers Lake Pass", I looked back towards Smedberg Lake. Note the dark rock, which is completely different than the rock it is sitting on: its an erratic.

I had always planned to see Rodgers Lake, so I headed down the trail for a look. The walk was amidst typical alpine tree-line country, a veritable garden of rocks and low trees. The trail obviously did not see the use of the PCT behind me, and just as obviously suffered from neglect. Still, the way was at all times clear and free of deadfall. The route meandered around in an interesting way and after a while passed a small pond before stepping up the climbing, which was still very moderate. At the end of this small glaciated valley the trail became steep and rocky for a short stretch before dumping me out at the flat open trail summit. I did not know it then, but I was standing at the highest point for the rest of the trip (9793 feet).